Archive for 27 March 2016

Patients with neck and back pain usually seek medical care first from their family doctor or primary care physician. However, many patients require the services of a spine specialist. A spine specialist is a physician who has completed additional years of medical training in the diagnosis and treatment of spinal disorderssuch as scoliosis, osteoarthritis, osteoporosis, herniated discs, stenosis, spine injuries, fractured vertebrae, spinal deformity, tumors, infections, and congenital abnormalities. Most spine surgeons are either orthopaedic surgeons or neurosurgeons who are fellowship-trained in spine.
What to Look for

What is scoliosis?

Scoliosis is a condition in which the spine bends to the side abnormally; either to the right or left. The curvature can be moderate to severe. Any part of the spine can be bent in scoliosis; but the most common regions are the chest area (thoracic scoliosis) or the lower part of the back (lumbar scoliosis).

According to the National Health Service (NHS), UK, in 80% of cases there is no known cause – it is idiopathic.

The majority of children with scoliosis require no treatment, as the

What is Cervical Spondylosis?

Cervical spondylosis is usually an age-related condition that affects the joints in your neck. It develops as a result of the wear and tear of the cartilage and bones are of the cervical spine. While it is largely due to age, it can be caused by other factors as well. Alternative names for it include cervical osteoarthritis and neck arthritis.

According to the Mayo Clinic, the condition is present in more than 90 percent of people over the age of 65, although some have it in such

What Is Osteoarthritis?

Osteoarthritis is also known as degenerative joint disease. It is a condition in which the protective cartilage that cushions the tops of bones degenerates, or wears down. This causes swelling and pain. It may also cause the development of osteophytes, or bone spurs.

What Is Osteoarthritis of the Spine?

Osteoarthritis of the spine is a breakdown of the cartilage of the joints and discs in the neck and lower back.

Sometimes, osteoarthritis produces spurs that put pressure on the nerves leaving the spinal column. This